MagicBricks launches iPad-only app; Does it differ from Indiaproperty app

MagicBricks.com, a realty classifieds site owned by Times Business Solutions Ltd, has launched an iPad-only property app called MB-HD. The company already has an iOS app that works on the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad, but unlike its predecessor, the new app is a high definition one, meant exclusively for Tablets with large screens.

Sudhir Pai, business head of MagicBricks, said, "Launching the MB-HD iPad app is the natural progression of our device experience strategy. MagicBricks has already extended itself to the mobile screen by launching a mobile WAP site, and Android & iPhone real estate apps."

The app is available free of cost and can be downloaded from the iTunes app store (requires iOS 3.2 or later versions). According to the company, it has launched an iPad app because the device accounts for around 95 per cent of all Tablet Web traffic and it is also the world's largest selling Tablet device. The fact that the iPad is gaining popularity in India could have also encouraged the company.

The app features no ads (at least that is what the company claims) and it comes with a swipe interface and 'iPad customised views' that enable users to search and view properties by property type, budget and location. People can also contact advertisers for properties, post their requirements and bookmark favourite properties, agents and projects for later reference. Additionally, the app also stores the history of all the searches a user has made in the past sessions (which can be cleared).

Other features of the app include map view where users can locate and get directions to the properties; graphical price trends in localities; property alerts where users can create alerts to get matching properties via e-mail; nearby feature to find properties and projects near your location and share the property/project – for sharing property details via e-mail, Facebook and Twitter.

Consim Info-owned Indiaproperty.com also has an iOS app. Of course, it is not an iPad-only app but it is still compatible with the device. With this app, users can search for properties which are available for sale or rent and just like the MagicBricks app, users here can also view properties on maps and contact advertisers for making purchases.

They can also view property details like price, built-up area, locality and amenities, and find featured projects (like Pacifica Aurum, Malles Arcadiaa, etc.) and builders (like RAMS builders, Green Tree homes and True Value homes). Users can also post their properties for free, using the 'list property feature'. Another interesting feature of the app is 'visual search' that shows nearby properties (within 5 km range) available for sale/rent.

Both apps are relatively easy to navigate and clutter free, but we think the main differentiating factor would be the fact that MB-HD is an iPad-exclusive app (and that, too, high definition); hence it could provide a better user experience.

We also tried looking for property apps from other players but as of now, apps from biggies like 99acres.com, Indiahomes.com and Makaan.com are not available in the iTunes app store.